Relationships: Does age difference matter?

[-:Undertaker:-]

Relationships: Does age difference matter?

Recently in the news the diver Tom Daley, aged 19, has come out and is rumoured to be in a relationship with a 39 year old screen writer. In the comments sections on newspaper articles, many have glossed over the age difference whereas many have commented that such a gap is creepy and represents the older partner in the relationship taking advantage. Others say that age doesn't matter when it comes to relationships and love.

On the other hand, it's also been questioned what people's reactions would be to a 19 year old woman dating a 39 year old man rather than a man and a man - would peope's reactions be different much as they are when it is a 39 year old woman and a 19 year old man?

But what do you think? Does age difference matter? If so, what are suitable age gaps in relationships? Does whether the relationship is between a man and a woman, or a man and a man etc affect how we view relationships with such an age divide?

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The debate is open to you.

[FlyingJesus]

Assuming everyone involved is legally consenting I seriously don't see what the issue is. People mature mentally at different ages, people across one demographic don't all have the same desires and interests, and essentially anyone who finds someone that they want to be with I salute and wish the best of luck with

[sex]

Yes, it's horrible to watch young fresh meat being spoiled by people on deaths door death

[Futz]

As long as they're all legally consenting adults then it's fine I guess

but I do think it's a bit weird when older adults prey on 16 year olds, I honestly don't think teens are clued up at that age so some I imagine are easily impressionable, after 18 even though they still may be dumb asf, they'll most likely be like that for the rest of their lives

[Lewis]

In my opinion, a 10 years older is the maximum for me. (as long as it's both legal ages).

But of course, who am I to judge and stand in the way of people who are dating the likes of people 20 years older? As long as they're both happy together (and it's the legal age again) then I don't care.

[Kardan]

Well, surely "if it matters" it's all based on opinion - there's no correct answer.

For me, of course it matters. If my 16 year old daughter was dating a 50 year old man, I wouldn't be happy. And if a 25 year old woman was dating an 80 year old man, I'd certainly question her reasons for doing so.

[Daltron]

If both are consenting adults then I don't really care what the age difference is, however for people underage I would say a suitable age difference maximum would be 3-4 years, anything over that might be weird.

With this said I think there is a negative stigma even within consenting adults if the age difference is quite significant and this again differs between male-female and male-male relationships. Does anyone remember when Harry Styles was rumoured to be dating an older woman? I dare say the flack he copped was much less harsh than that of Tom Daley. Thoughts?

[wixard]

If both are consenting adults then I don't really care what the age difference is, however for people underage I would say a suitable age difference maximum would be 3-4 years, anything over that might be weird.

With this said I think there is a negative stigma even within consenting adults if the age difference is quite significant and this again differs between male-female and male-male relationships. Does anyone remember when Harry Styles was rumoured to be dating an older woman? I dare say the flack he copped was much less harsh than that of Tom Daley. Thoughts?

FLACK... I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE!

well i've always liked guys younger than me, and the person i currently like is 3 years younger than me and i don't see it as a problem, age never comes into play at all for me but THAT person (if you're reading hi) mentions it a lot so it's definitely a factor for him. it only affects the relationship if you let it in my opinion, and if it's something one person is focused on too much it can destroy the relationship. i just don't think it's fair to set a limit on something like 'age gaps' because as fj said we all mature mentally at different ages, and if you got on amazingly well with someone 3/4/5 years younger or older than you, why listen to what society deems right or wrong. it's stupid to live your life by the judgement of others, if they're happy they're happy. just leave them alone.

[Rachel]

Personally it shouldn't really matter as long as they are happy together. Now only impact it can happen is that one could be in the 70's and the other person in the 40's or 50's and that is a big difference in age. My mother married a man that was 20 years difference but they still loved each other.

Although if you are in the 20's and you are with someone that is 40 years old and older then I don't know. It looks wrong but if you are happy then it's your life.

I don't think age should matter like I said but that is my opinion.

[Yupt]

If two people enjoy being around each other then great, all the best. However I do find it somewhat creepy that the age gap is a greater figure than that of Tom Daleys age himself. He is old enough to be his dad which somewhat creeps me out. Not saying its wrong, but I do think that it's impractical for any future they want to have together.